Anderson County Bailiff's gun lost — then found

The Anderson County Sheriff's Department will review an incident involving a court bailiff who "lost" his gun on the way to work one day last week.

by Beverly Majors

The Anderson County Sheriff's Department will review an incident involving a court bailiff who "lost" his gun on the way to work one day last week.

John Shuey, a courtroom bailiff who also serves as an Anderson County commissioner, was putting his personal belongings in his pickup truck one day last week when he apparently drove off with his .40-caliber handgun on the truck's bed rail.

Shuey got to work and realized the gun was missing and reported the incident, Chief Deputy Mark Lucas said. As a bailiff, Shuey is employed by the Sheriff's Department and his weapon is issued by the Department.

"He didn't hear it roll off," Lucas said in regards to the gun apparently falling off the truck bed rail.

Deputies, as well as Oak Ridge police officers, began a search of property near Shuey's home and driveway, Lucas said.

"A resident found the gun and turned it in to Oak Ridge (Police Department) while we were looking for it," the chief deputy said.

Lucas said the Sheriff's Department will review the incident, mostly because it's a policy violation, but also because of the safety issue.